Connor McDavid's overtime goal elevated Canada to a 3-2 victory against the U.S. during the highly anticipated 4 Nations Face-Off. This event, notable as the first best-on-best tournament since 2016, showcased elite talent and fervent competition, defying initial doubts about its intensity. The tournament drew significant viewership, particularly for the final match, further emphasizing the sport's appeal. Its success stems from a blend of skilled players, a historic rivalry, and the excitement of close global competition, reaffirming hockey's standing as a premier sport on a grand stage.
Canada may have been heartily celebrating a 4 Nations Face-Off victory on Thursday night, with McDavid's goal at the 8:18 mark of overtime handing the United States a bitter 3-2 loss.
For starters, it was the first time a best-on-best-style hockey tournament had been played since 2016, when San Jose Sharks veterans helped Canada win the World Cup of Hockey.
Second, the 4 Nations, essentially a made-up event, wasn't the collection of glorified all-star games that some feared it would become, with players not wanting to hit their NHL teammates.
Finally, there was some hate as Canada and the United States, two longtime hockey rivals, met in the winner-take-all final.
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